AUCAE Wants to Hear the Contractors Voice

All Umbrella Companies Are Equal sat down with the taxman to discuss imminent changes affecting independent professionals across the UK. AUCAE's arguments may be valid; but with only 3 contractors' to date submitting opinions to the public discussion document, it's hardly representative of our industry.

UK freelancing and contracting is going to feel the full might
of the Chancellor's crusade to end tax avoidance. And soon.

The fact that the Government is oblivious to how self-employment
works (otherwise how would so many have been culpable for expenses
scandals?) isn't the issue.

Yes, we know they've brought in outside help to give the career
politicians an insight into how entrepreneurship
really works. But the fact is, that help may:

have already come too late;

contradict measures the government has taken thus far to the
extent that all the certified feedback in the world will make no
difference.

AUCAE met with the taxman last month to discuss what the SDC
directive would mean for contractors operating through umbrella and
limited (personal service) companies.

It's hard to argue the case for the cuts independent
professionals will face against HMRC when only 3 contractors have
responded to the public consultation document.

Anyone operating through an umbrella company, a PSC or are
contracting through their own limited company needs to add their
weight to this discussion.

Biting the hand that feeds them

It's not just about getting behind AUCAE. It's about telling the
government that they're wrong.

We cannot overstate the flexibility that temporary workers of
all denominations have brought to businesses during economic
recovery. Yet measures announced in the 'Emergency Budget' seem set
to ride roughshod over the UK's independent workforce and see them
no better off than employees.

Employees will moan, saying "So you should". But
neither they nor the government seem to get just what it takes
to:

stand up on your own two feet to earn a living;

develop the balls to run your own company;

build a brand that defines your self and your niche;

create an exceptional service that only the freedom of being
your own boss allows you to deliver.

If you are concerned that the government will take the
profitability out of your business, you're not alone. IPSE has
already warned us about the potential that imminent changes have of
damaging independent professionals' lifestyle. AUCAE are echoing
those views. Now it's time for you to do something
about it.

Take the time to fill in this survey prepared by AUCAE. Submit
your perception of what the reforms to tax, IR35 and SDC will mean
to you.

Change, like opinion, is hard to reverse once it's been made.
But we can affect the changes that are coming. We can sway opinions
with cold, hard fact if we get in before the think
tank has time to ruminate. This is your chance to have your say;
make your voice heard, here